XCMG Machinery's Water Cellar Project Aids Ethiopia on World Day to Combat Desertification
On June 16, 2025, XCMG Machinery celebrated the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought by reaffirming its commitment to alleviate water scarcity in Ethiopia. Through its transformative Water Cellar Project, XCMG has made significant strides towards improving water accessibility for communities affected by severe drought conditions.
The latest initiative, part of the project’s sixth phase, took place in the Sama Senbet area of the Mingar-Shenkora District in the Amhara region. This phase directly benefits 36 households, including five led by women, by ensuring they have reliable access to clean water. Since its inception in 2016, in collaboration with the China Foundation for Rural Development, the project has successfully constructed 201 water cellars across Ethiopia’s Oromia, Amhara, and Southern regions, enhancing the lives of over 12,000 individuals.
Ethiopia is facing unprecedented climate challenges, with the Horn of Africa experiencing five consecutive failed rainy seasons by 2023, resulting in the country becoming one of the most adversely affected nations by global warming. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that the ensuing drought has impacted nearly 1.7 million people, leading to a severe decline in agricultural productivity and exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, face the brunt of this crisis, often spending up to 12 hours daily searching for water, which compels them into a relentless cycle that hampers gender equality and education.
To combat these dire circumstances, the Water Cellar Project employs advanced rainwater harvesting technology that empowers communities to collect and filter rainwater during the wet season for use in the dry months. This sustainable practice not only minimizes the amount of time spent retrieving water but also supports agricultural activities and ensures that families and livestock have access to safe drinking water.
In 2019, XCMG expanded their commitment to clean water initiatives by launching the Clean Water Project, which installed 23 ultrafiltration systems, 157 drinking stations, and 152 handwashing stations across 20 schools in Addis Ababa. These installations directly benefited over 23,000 students, not only providing them with clean water but also promoting hygiene education, making strides towards healthier living conditions in vulnerable communities.
XCMG Machinery’s proactive approach not only addresses immediate water needs but also lays down a framework for sustainable development through innovative solutions, effectively tackling the pressing issue of water scarcity in Ethiopia. Their efforts are aligned with global goals for sustainable development, positioning them as a leader in corporate social responsibility within the construction machinery industry. Through collaboration and innovative technology, XCMG continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by climate challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.